Has this happened to you? A large medical bill from the hospital shows up in the mail. You call the hospital and discover that your visit last month fell outside of your health insurance coverage. The entire cost now falls on you.
As a college student with limited income, this is where panic might start creeping in. Paying out-of-pocket on a shoestring budget is a major burden—add that on top of school costs, rent, groceries, and gas.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to face medical bills alone. There are practical steps you can take to reduce or even eliminate what you owe. Plus, Christians have an affordable solution for sharing medical costs through CHM.
What an itemized bill is (and why you should ask for one)
The first and most important step after receiving your initial bill is requesting an itemized bill. The itemized bill is a detailed list of every service, test, or medication charged for. Instead of a vague consolidated bill or explanation of benefits, this breaks down your exact costs line by line.
Why is this essential? Medical billing errors are extremely common. Studies show that up to 80% of hospital bills contain mistakes. This is due to the complex nature of medical billing that creates countless opportunities for error.
When looking over your itemized bill, you might find charges for services you didn’t receive, duplicate fees, or incorrect codes. Carefully reviewing this lets you challenge unnecessary or inflated charges before paying. Address any issues with the billing department and then make sure they send you a corrected itemized bill.
Explore hospital and urgent care payment plans
If your bill is accurate but still higher than you can afford, ask about payment plan options. Many urgent care centers and hospitals allow patients to split costs into smaller, manageable monthly payments or installment plans.
Your hospital may also have charity care programs. These provide free or reduced-cost care for patients who meet certain income requirements. Students typically qualify for these and can apply for them after receiving a bill.
A charity care program may involve filling out a form, providing proof of your income level, and submitting it to the hospital. There’s often a very generous window of time (over six months) to apply, so there’s no need to rush during a busy semester.
Discounts and medical billing advocates
As a patient, you have access to help you might not be aware of. Many providers (doctors and hospitals) are willing to offer discounts if you ask for them! If haggling isn’t your strength, this is where a medical billing advocate can come in handy.
Medical billing advocates and nonprofit organizations can review your bills and help you negotiate with providers. A lot of hospitals even have their own advocates on staff to assist you. Having support from an expert cuts down on the stress of navigating the healthcare system.
Another tip: it’s often easier to get discounts if you offer to pay the bill the same day. This is great leverage to show the billing department that you’re serious about paying. Persistence here can secure big savings to make your final bill much less burdensome.
Plan ahead for expensive medical bills with CHM
The best way to handle big medical bills is to prevent them from becoming a crisis in the first place. That’s where Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM) can help.
CHM is the original health cost-sharing ministry. Unlike traditional insurance, CHM operates on a biblical model of Christians helping Christians with health expenses.
Members contribute a set monthly amount, and those funds are used to share each other’s eligible medical bills. For students, young adults, families, or seniors, CHM offers:
- Affordable monthly contributions starting at under $120 per unit.
- Flexibility to choose your own certified doctors and hospitals—no restrictive provider networks.
- A supportive Christian community that not only helps financially but also prays with and for you.
Unlike health insurance, we provide transparency, compassion, and flexibility. After becoming a CHM member, your future bills are shared by other believers.
Recap for receiving surprise bills as a student
To summarize what we’ve covered, here’s a simple checklist you can follow when a medical billing issue arises.
- Request an itemized bill and review it for errors.
- Challenge mistakes and ask for corrections.
- Ask about payment plans at urgent care centers and hospitals.
- Explore charity care programs for financial relief if you qualify.
- Seek discounts and ask for help from student resources or billing advocates.
CHM, your health insurance alternative
Getting a surprise bill is stressful, but it doesn’t mean going broke. Knowing your options and exploring discounts allows you to approach medical care with confidence.
Following the guidelines, CHM members get medical care knowing that costs will be shared with other believers. If you’re ready to find an affordable, faith-based alternative to health insurance, join CHM today!
